Alec Shane

#pubtip Nobody knows what works and what doesn't when it comes to marketing. A 50 city book tour could go nowhere, and a random video of a toddler throwing a water balloon at your book could go viral and make you a bestseller. So don't be afraid to get creative and try anything

#pubtip Having no agent is significantly better for your career than having an agent who isn't the right fit. Don't anchor yourself to a relationship that isn't doing it for you anymore because you're worried you'll never find rep again.

#pubtip I feel like authors worry about the title of their MS, like it can make or break the query.

Of every book I've published, very few kept the original title from beginning to end, and it usually changed multiple times during the editing process. Don't stress it so much.

There are a lot of great writers conferences coming up this summer, so a general tip: email your MS if you get a request. No USB drives, hard copies, or anything like that. Don’t give agents/editors more stuff to lug on the plane home. #pubtip

Knowing when it's time to put a pin in your current MS, put it aside for now, and start working on something new has to be one of the hardest decisions an author can make. Sometimes your debut novel is the 4th or 5th (or 10th) one you write. #pubtip

#pubtip if you'll be going to a writers conference in 2018, please keep in mind that agents/editors attend these things because they WANT to meet you, hear about your book, and sign up a project they love. Never be afraid to approach someone (respectfully) to talk about your work

Received a total of 24 passes from editors this week. Authors, it happens to agents too. You just have to keep grinding. #pubtip

#pubtip "How little do I have to write to still get a contract?" is never a question I enjoy answering as an agent.

#pubtip if you're a first-time writer, the first two digits of your manuscript's word count shouldn't be 14.

#pubtip most agents/editors don't want to fly home from a conference with a bunch of hard copies of self-pubbed books in their carry-on.

#pubtip if you find the thought of writing a book for free and never making a single cent from it unappealing, you might want to switch jobs

#pubtip Have an online presence. Just read a short story, loved it, and was hoping to contact the author about it, but no contact info.

#pubtip not every author and agent is compatible; sometimes you need to know when to look elsewhere for representation. It's never personal

#pubtip On re-submissions: in many cases, if an agent would be willing to look at a revision, s/he will say so in the rejection letter.

#pubtip I wish folks would take "self" out of the term "self-published." You published your book, plain and simple. Proceed accordingly.

#pubtip Authors: make sure your contact info is readily available online. Agents are always reading and might want to reach out to say hello

#pubtip if it's trending in books right now, the trend is already over and has been for some time.

#pubtip self-publishing should be an active, fully thought-out choice. It shouldn't be a resort.

#pubtip don't stress over finding the perfect title too much; odds are it's going to change once an editor gets hold of your MS anyway.

#pubtip If your thriller is about some kind of agent and some kind of terrorist, just know that it's a very crowded market and a tough sell